For our April 2023 issue, we have the following articles: 5 on observational studies; 3 on public health, 2 case reports; 1 on Q-methodology; 1 meta-analysis; 1 systematic review; 1 medical education, 1 viewpoint and 1 news article. 
 

Apart from its role in bone health, recent developments have shown that vitamin D also has anti-inflammatory properties, and therefore may have a role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the disease activity of pediatric patients with IBD.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global public health emergency. High levels of fear and limited access to cancer treatment may jeopardize the delivery of optimal oncologic care, potentially influencing treatment outcomes. This study aimed to identify patients’ and their caregivers’ perception of safety and accessibility of cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that exert beneficial effects on the host, including a reduction of allergic disease symptoms. Lactobacillus reuteri in particular was shown to attenuate the allergic airway, and when used as an adjunct in the treatment of asthma in children, resulted in decreased fractional exhaled nitric oxide and interleukin levels when compared to placebo. However, insufficient information is available regarding the significance of L. reuteri as an adjunct in the treatment of allergic disorders, particularly in allergic airway disease. The objective of the study was to determine the efficacy of L. reuteri as an adjunct for the control of newly diagnosed asthma in children.

The coronavirus (CoVid-19) pandemic brought about a massive impact to the healthcare system, including disruption of patient follow-ups and consultations. Subsequently, an increase in physicians’ use of telemedicine was seen. While this technology has been documented to improve delivery of care, it has encountered varied acceptance among physicians. Gaps in specific national legislation, lack of established rules and accreditation standards, and ethical/legal implications add to the concerns. Anchored on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model, this study aimed to segment physicians according to their perspectives regarding telemedicine during the pandemic.

Acne vulgaris (AV) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is non-life-threatening but may cause significant psychological morbidity regardless of severity. An extreme case of this is depicted in body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), which is often an undiagnosed condition presenting with excessive preoccupation of perceived flaws not observable by others. With the increasing popularity of social media throughout the years, there has been budding researches exploring its psychological implications, particularly on “selfies” and its possible association with self-image and body dysmorphia. The objective of this study was to compare body dysmorphic symptoms and selfie behavior between patients with mild AV versus those without AV.

Telemedicine services have steadily been relied upon since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding its usability and contextual performance is of paramount importance if it were to pervade the local health delivery system. Hence, a tool to assess usability is warranted. The study aims to adapt a reliable and validated instrument in English to Filipino, the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ), on evaluating the usability of telemedicine services in the Philippines. 

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is the most common inherited lethal disease in children. Confirmatory diagnosis is based on molecular genetic testing of survival motor neuron (SMN) genes. We aimed to describe the phenotypic presentation of Filipino infants and children with SMA based on the copy number analysis of SMN genes.

The hospital is often a haven for people in need of care. However, for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), hospitalizations can turn into a nightmare.

The role of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been widely studied, but only recently did trials emerge that probed into its potential role in ankle sprains. With the limited available literature, most of the trials results showed that it might have a role in faster healing and pain reduction. The purpose of this review is to summarize available studies on ankle sprains in order to identify if there is good initial evidence of its role on return to play (RTP) among active individuals as well as pain reduction. It is also to identify if results were consistent among studies.

The impact of soil-transmitted helminthiases on the overall health of an individual may lead to significant morbidity. International and local health programs aim to increase the proportion of community households aware of proper helminthiases prevention and control strategies. Community health may be achieved equitably by leveraging accurate information, community mobilization, and sustainable health partnerships.

In the Philippines, organ donation is regulated under the Organ Donation Act (RA7170) and promoted by the Department of Health through the Philippine Network for Organ Sharing (PHILNOS). The number of organ donors to meet the increasing demand in the country continues to lag. The emergency department (ED) was identified in several foreign studies to be a significant source of successful organ donation. This action research project investigated the attitude and perception of 125 ED healthcare workers (HCWs) from three hospitals in Metro Manila before and after an awareness event.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a disease that primarily manifests in the early stages of life and progressively affects muscle strength resulting in quadriparesis and ultimately resulting in premature death secondary to cardiac or respiratory failure. DMD is the most common x-linked genetic disorder in children that is because of an alteration of a protein called “dystrophin” which is responsible for strengthening muscle fibers and protecting them from injury as muscles contract and relax. The objective of this report is to highlight the case of a 19-year-old male who was diagnosed with DMD at 8 years of age and treated with oral corticosteroid and rehabilitation.

Vitamin B12 deficiency has long been known to present with various neurological manifestations, but only rarely presents as movement disorders, especially in adults. We present the case of a 30-year-old vegan male presenting with tremors on both legs when standing which was relieved by vitamin B12 supplementation.

The mental health and well-being of PhilHealth frontline workers were investigated to inform decision-makers and organizations in developing policies and programs to promote welfare of employees, thereby subsequently improving productivity and service delivery. The study aimed to describe the demographic profile of participants and their level of mental health and well-being as well as to determine if a significant relationship exists between the said variables.

The objective of this article is to discuss the importance of Evidence-Based Teaching as the relevant culture to develop among teaching medical staff to overcome the hurdle of specific teaching and learning dilemmas in the arena of medical education, most specifically in bridging didactic knowledge to clinical skill application among undergraduate medical students. 

One hundred and fifty years of experience, labor,sacrifice and effort warrant the achievements of many scientists, researchers, professors, students, administration, staff and services that constitute the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Santo Tomas of Manila.

This book is a tribute to our alma mater, indirectly a personal testimony of the nobility of the medical profession that I have come to learn better and appreciate more. Despite numerous difficulties and frustrations due to the pandemic and other causes, we have found joy in working with extraordinary people on this project.